At Wailea Contemporary Gallery, we are proud to represent artists who redefine the boundaries of their craft. Maui-based glass artist Julia Cordi invites viewers to experience the transformative nature of glass through form, light, and imagination.
Glass is a medium of duality—both fluid and solid, fragile yet enduring—and for Julia, it holds an irresistible allure. “It’s mesmerizing to work with,” she says.
A Global Path to Mastery
Julia’s journey in glass art began in 2010 and has taken her across the world in pursuit of mastery. One of the most defining experiences of her career was studying in Murano, Italy—the birthplace of glassblowing, where centuries of tradition shape every workshop and street corner.
In Murano, glassblowing isn’t just a craft; it’s an inherited legacy of precision, artistry, and resilience. “The way they understand the material is unparalleled,” Julia shares. The transparent colors and complex assembly techniques she learned there remain integral to her creative process today.
But despite her reverence for tradition, Julia’s work is anything but static. Over the years, she’s embraced a more fluid and spontaneous approach, focusing on sculptural forms that capture movement and emotion. This evolution reflects her belief that "there is more than one way to achieve your vision—believe in your own personal aesthetic."
The Power of Teamwork and Vision
One of Julia’s strengths as an artist is her ability to lead and collaborate with a team.
"As a glass artist, your team can make or break your piece," she explains. The nature of glassblowing demands synchronization, trust, and precision. Julia has honed her leadership skills in studios around the world, learning to direct a team while staying true to her creative vision. “Learning to run a team efficiently and getting your vision to become a reality is truly the most difficult part of working with glass, but also the most rewarding when done well.”
This emphasis on collaboration extends to her large-scale custom projects, where she balances multiple creative visions while navigating technical constraints. “Custom work requires effective communication and trusting your instincts to create a piece everyone is happy with,” she says.
Creating Emotional Experiences
For Julia, glass is more than a material—it’s a medium for storytelling. She strives to evoke the same awe and wonder that nature inspires.
"My hope is to create work that makes you feel the same way you do when you look into the deep blue ocean or witness a spectacular sunset,” Julia explains. She dissects what makes these moments special, translating that essence into light, form, and transparency.
Her work allows viewers to bring their personal interpretations to each piece. “Everyone has such a uniquely diverse experience in life. With abstract art, viewers can draw from their own memories and emotions to define the work. My hope is to create something ambiguous yet familiar.”
Bringing Grand Visions to Life
Julia’s ability to translate large-scale concepts into breathtaking creations has made her a sought-after artist for custom commissions.
Her work on the PGA Tour Trophy and a large-scale dolphin pod installation demonstrates her range and creativity. Each project presents unique challenges—balancing aesthetics with functionality and merging her vision with the client’s.
These large-scale pieces exemplify her ambition: “My dream is to make a name for myself as an artist through my large-scale installations while I continue to develop my skills and techniques as a fine craftsperson.” This statement embodies her dual commitment to creating impactful works and refining her craft.
A Future of Immersive Glass Environments
Looking ahead, Julia envisions creating entire spaces transformed by glass—immersive environments where light, form, and texture surround viewers and transport them.
"My dream project is to create a massive installation that captures what I love most about Hawai‘i: nature. A room that feels like walking into the jungle, a room that feels like being underwater—it’s about creating spaces that make you feel connected to the world around you."
Her excitement for the future of glass art extends beyond her personal goals. She’s energized by the innovations in the material itself and the potential for interdisciplinary collaborations that merge glass with other media.
Experience Julia Cordi’s Work
We’re honored to showcase Julia’s breathtaking creations at Wailea Contemporary Gallery. Her glasswork invites viewers to step into an inner world of light, form, and imagination—one that bridges the line between fine art and sensory experience.
Visit the gallery to experience Julia’s work firsthand and discover the magic of handcrafted glass art in Maui.